Interdisciplinary Programs

Peace and Conflict Studies Program

332A Anderson Hall
610-436-2754
Dean Johnson, Coordinator

Peace and conflict studies examines social conflict, conflict resolution, and cooperation at the group, national, and international levels. This process involves understanding factors that contribute to peace with justice, various functions of conflict, and processes by which conflict may be managed. The minor fosters skills for both study and action. Though primarily an enrichment to liberal education, this minor is relevant to a variety of careers, both traditional and emerging. The former include law, communications, education, and government. However, there are also many career opportunities with a wide range of public interest and advocacy organizations.

The peace and conflict studies minor consists of 18 credit hours, some of which also may be used to fulfill other degree requirements. This minor may be taken as one of the minors in the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in liberal studies general degree program.

Students are expected to attend six peace-and-conflict-related campus events. Those events that qualify will be announced on the peace and conflict studies website and tracked by the program coordinator.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES
Symbol: PAX

200 Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies (3) An interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature and causes of social conflict. The aim throughout is to find ways of avoiding destructive conflict, whether through negotiation or other means. The issue of justice as a factor in conflict receives special attention. Approved interdisciplinary course

201 Global Perspectives (3) This course is intended to help students develop the competencies needed for the understanding of, and meaningful participation in, the world issues of the 21st century. Approved interdisciplinary course

370 Israel, Palestine, Power, and Peace (3) Hands-on learning about conflict strategy, negotiation, and nonviolent resistance, in the context of in-depth study of the history, dynamics, and prospects for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In an intensive workshop format, students conduct negotiations with each other and strategize alternatives to negotiation, such as settlement building, protests, blockade running, and war. Course includes significant readings; exercises using blogs and Twitter; a final, paper-style resolution proposal; and a field trip to Washington, D.C., for briefings by experts on the contemporary course of conflict. PREREQ: PAX 200.

400 Peace and Conflict Studies Seminar (3) This course is a capstone experience for peace and conflict studies students to solidify and integrate their study of social justice, activism, international relations and negotiation, and conflict theory with real-world experience. Students will examine and review the various theoretical insights of the discipline, get hands-on experience with conflict resolution, and integrate the insights gleaned from both practical and classroom learning into an overarching model of conflict management to be developed over the course of the semester. Students must maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA in order to register for this course.